|
tito123


Registered: 01/23/10
Posts: 3,006
|
Jobs in Mycology?
#21489730 - 04/01/15 08:46 PM (9 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
How does the job market look like in Mycology? Or is it expected to increase or decrease in the next few years?
I've been into mycology since I was 14. I made plans to start my own oyster business at 15(which never happened) but I knew a lot about identification and cultivation. I bought a flowhood at 19 and was always super interested.
My passion has fizzled out over the last few years but it's something I'm still moderately interested in. Do you guys think it would be worth it to major in mycology?
|
ShroomPuncher
The FunGuy



Registered: 10/30/12
Posts: 988
Loc: Mother Earth
Last seen: 10 months, 3 days
|
Re: Jobs in Mycology? [Re: tito123]
#21489747 - 04/01/15 08:49 PM (9 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
All I know is very few places specialize in mycology. It'd take a lot of time to get there, not to be discouraging. You could pretty easily have a little mushroom farm or sell equipment, spawn inoculants, etc. definitely go for it if it's your passion. Right there with ya, bud!
-------------------- Hunting Psillies? Want a sig or avatar made? Message me. [Prints in exchange would be nice, but not required]
Disclaimer: I in no way engage in violent acts against mushrooms, nor do I support or advocate such behavior.
|
chakruna
Stranger


Registered: 04/02/15
Posts: 28
Last seen: 9 years, 1 month
|
|
Ya I have noticed its really hard to find specialised training for this at all. I would personally love to get involved in it but it seems like sucha specialist field that you really have to get some big degrees from university, in seemingly unrelated fields, just to have a shot at getting into it later down the track. Someone correct me if I am wrong, but everywhere I have looked seems to recommend getting into molecular biology, which CAN lead to eventually working in a mycology related field, such as research. The best advice I have found online is to, like I said, get a Micro-Biology degree, ad then go on to do post graduate study and specialise in mycology related areas.
As for your question on the growth of the industry, from a laymans perspective I think it is going to expand in a HUGE way eventually. It is such an under-researched field and there are so many types of fungi on this planet that everyone seems to just be ignoring.
|
r00tuuu123
Now I'm just really piseed



Registered: 04/20/12
Posts: 8,507
Loc: I'll be there in a minute
Last seen: 8 years, 2 months
|
Re: Jobs in Mycology? [Re: chakruna]
#21494966 - 04/03/15 12:43 AM (9 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
Well your'e probably amongst the best company around to learn the trade but I Don't think the Shroomery offers degrees so just look around I Guess. But in the mean while you could start up that Oyster farm.
--------------------
Please report me to a Mod for hurting your punk ass hippie feelings And all time Champion thread killer.
|
TimmiT


Registered: 03/23/10
Posts: 5,303
Loc: Victoria
|
Re: Jobs in Mycology? [Re: tito123]
#21495080 - 04/03/15 01:53 AM (9 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
Mycology is a very broad discipline so it depends on which area you want to get into.
Like chakruna mentioned, your best option is to get a degree in either microbiology or molecular biology and specialise in mycology. Those are growing fields and a qualification in one of those areas will continue to grow in desirability. The biotechnology field in particular is set to grow significantly in the future.
As for basic mycological science (as opposed to the applied side I mentioned above) there is limited opportunity for employment. Mycology is an understudied field so can be quite rewarding to study, but there are relatively few positions available. It's going to depend again on which aspect of mycology you want to pursue.
Many traditional methods of research are quickly being superseded by molecular techniques. This is true in many areas of study including taxonomy, ecology, systematics and medical mycology so a good education in mycology should include a solid grounding in molecular biology.
-------------------- "Reality leaves a lot to the imagination" ~ John Lennon
|
thescientist
Registered: 03/09/02
Posts: 807
Loc: Dade County
|
Re: Jobs in Mycology? [Re: TimmiT]
#21495102 - 04/03/15 02:06 AM (9 years, 1 month ago) |
|
|
Academic positions are few and far in between.
Do not consider that route unless you are committed to completing a PhD and post-doctoral research.
You will need to be a scholar and capable of pulling your own funding and scholarships.
Your best bet is to study microbiology, molecular biology and focus on bio-tech. Even this will be limiting if you're only interested in fungus.
You may have better luck in Europe if you want to study natural history, systematics or taxonomy of fungi.
Advanced skills in genetics and especially genomics would be critical.
It is true that in almost all areas of natural history where someone has a strong interest, that it is better, imo, to find a career that pays you handsomely, and to pursue your interests on your own terms.
Fortunately, if you want to grow mushrooms, no formal education is required.
Become a farmer, grow food, and enjoy life.
|
|